Good morning! It’s a beautiful Sunday here in London, and I’m home with a cold. It was one of those that came overnight, aggressively and without reason. It’s given me the chance to make homemade ginger tea with honey, read a number of articles I’ve had saved, and get used to my new hair length (two inches shorter that looks like four and feels like a world of difference).

Yesterday afternoon we went to Covent Garden, where 100,000 white balloons have filled the high ceilings of the market’s south hall. Designed by Charles Pétillon, the balloons en masse are a striking site, with white lights pulsating behind the giant balloon cloud to resemble a heartbeat. He agreed to do this as Covent Garden, when it opened in 1552, changed the landscape of the area and was really the heart of the town, much as urban markets still are today. It’s his first installation outside of France, and he is known for using white balloons to add playfulness and bring a different perspective to otherwise mundane structures. We learned this in a nearby small pop-up gallery with photographs of his other works. (“Cloud Computing” was my favorite.)

The installation is only on for four weeks, and ends September 27, so make haste! Make an evening of it by going around the corner to the London outpost of New York institution Balthazar for champagne and plateaux de fruits de mer afterwards. Fines de Claire oysters are sublime! x

Me on a morning run back on the West Side Highway stopping to pose with the lady herself.

I have to admit, this spring has started a little differently for me than I’m used to. Normally, I’m kicking off my winter boots in full force, testing the weather to see if I can get away going to work without tights on and practically prancing around city streets when cafes finally start putting their tables back outside. Sidewalk cafe culture is a real thing, people, and it’s amazing.

And usually, all of this takes place in New York. Where I lived for the previous five springs {and summers, falls and winters, too}. I’m having a bit of nostalgia for a different time where I walked down the street and could hear cabs honking as they raced down Carmine Street {I never understood this — it was only two blocks long in its entirety} and could sample eight different types of cheese at Murray’s while getting a full lesson on each before selecting just a few to serve my friends later that night back at my apartment. I miss the bizarre street festivals that would pop up on Sixth Avenue for the entire Saturday, halting all traffic and bringing so many people out to buy roasted corn on the cob and sliced up watermelon. Playing endless rounds of ping pong at The Standard on Sunday afternoons after too many bellinis over brunch at Paradou. Morning runs on the West Side Highway with One World Trade Center and Lady Liberty in full view. Even my old super who used to wish me a good day at work every single morning, and comment on tomorrow’s expected weather every single evening. I miss the electricity of the city; it’s like the street grids worked as surging energy lines that fueled the endless hustle of its people.

Instead of rushing through the hard feelings, I’m trying to let myself just experience them. I’m growing to love London with its charming streets and poised demeanor. New restaurants are opening all the time, and goodness are they incredible. I love the different themes and cultural influences that flow into each. I love that we’re known by name in our corner pub The Mall Tavern — and they usually have a table waiting for us on Sunday afternoons for roast. The museums with jaw dropping permanent collections, and experiencing limited time exhibitions. The champagne and towers of scones that come with a special afternoon tea. The ease at which we can travel to other countries is obviously unparalleled {Italy next weekend — counting down the days to tasty gelato}. And the many family and friends that have plans in the coming months to see our new home together.

So London is winning me over slowly but surely, but I would be remiss if I didn’t say I have been longing for the city. My city. My New York. I’ve heard Londoners know how to enjoy good weather, and it doesn’t really rain here as often as people think {I swear it’s only six days a week}. So bring on the Pimm’s and outdoor pubs, lounging in Hyde Park and runs with my husband, international travels and dinner parties with friends. London, I’m ready to make some new memories. Let’s hear it for spring.

B picking me up at Heathrow after flying to meet him in London. The sign says it all.

Seeing as it’s National Macaron Day, I’m sharing my favorite bakeries for these trendy treats that are just everywhere these days. They’re a perfect sendoff from weddings, and I love to serve them after dinner as a sweet, light dessert. It’s such fun to see everyone’s eyes light up as they try different flavors and gush about their favorite kinds. Enjoy!

Anges de Sucre: I’ve professed my love for this sweet little shop multiple times with its delicious marshmallows, muffles {marshmallow truffles — I mean, come on, so good}, and of course macarons. The name alone is enough to fall in love — it’s “sugar angels” in French. Located off Kensington Church Street, my favorites are Death by Chocolate and Pistache Vera Pistachio.

Ladurée:This Parisian patisserie is no secret in France, here or across the pond {my parents, best friend and I stood in line for literally two hours when the first NY shop opened on Madison & 72nd}, and they have multiple locations here in London. Just as beautiful as the macarons are their gorgeous collectable boxes. When we were in Paris they had a pineapple box — perfection!

Pierre Hermé: Located inside Selfridge’s {and they also have a shop in Belgravia}, this also Parisian outpost creates true works of art with their sweets and macarons. The flavors are beyond, with options like Infiniment Caramel {salted-butter caramel} and Celeste {passion fruit, rhubarb and strawberries}. Today, they’re also offering one of their iconic 25 macarons to anyone who makes a donation through them to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

Whole Foods: You can actually snag delicious macarons from the bakery area for just £1 each, which is the littlest amount I’ve seen for this pint-sized treats. They’re perfect for picking up when you’re short on time and are interested in favorite flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and rose.